What to Expect when applying for assistance

Coming to Human Services can be an overwhelming and frustrating experience. We take care of thousands of people every month who need help. We would like to explain some things about what you can expect when you come here—whether you are applying for some type of benefit (such as food stamps, child care assistance, or Medicaid) or whether you already have an open case.

The Lobby

Reception – When you arrive, please see any receptionist.

If you have questions about your pending or ongoing benefits case, you can call (970) 498-6300 and speak directly to a technician. Front desk receptionists will not be able to answer your case questions.

Appointments – If you have any kind of appointment, bring your appointment letter so the receptionist can connect you with the right unit. If you don't have an appointment and wish to apply for benefits, the receptionist will give you an application to fill out.

Some programs require a scheduled appointment/interview. You will be advised of your appointment requirement when you contact our office.

Leaving the building – Once you have checked in with the receptionist, you should avoid leaving the building before your name is called. If you need to go out of the building before your name is called, please tell the receptionist that you need to leave and if you are planning on coming back.

Order in which names are called – People come here for a variety of reasons to see workers who work with different programs. If people arrive after you but are called before you, it is because they are here to see a different type of worker than you need to see.

Getting Documents and Important Information to Us

At Human Services, we are required by law to verify every eligibility factor. This means we have to ask you to prove many circumstances in your life such as your living arrangements, income, Social Security numbers, birth details, divorce decrees, citizenship, etc. We will need copies of all documentation except social security cards; although you will have to provide a number if you are applying for assistance. There is a copier available to you in the lobby. Please make copies when you come in to the office before your appointment begins.

You will be asked to provide:

Picture ID/Proof of Identity

Birth Certificate/Proof of Citizenship – we are required to see the original documents for citizenship

Social Security Numbers

Life Insurance face value and cash surrender value

Proof of Unearned Income

Child Support

Loans

Social Security

Pension

Gifts of cash

Workman's Compensation

Proof of Earned Income

one month's pay stubs

employer letter

Rent/House payment

Property Taxes

Utility and Phone expenses

Child Support Payments

Child care expenses

Bank Accounts, IRA's and CD's.

Sometimes you may submit papers to us that cause us to have more questions that need to be answered. Then we may need you to give us more documentation to answer those questions.

If you come in to drop off your documentation, you may leave the papers with the Receptionist; put them in the drop box in the lobby. If you need a receipt, you may request one from the receptionist when you drop off papers in person. Do not leave original documents. You will not see a worker when you return documents.

Your worker may indicate that you can send documentation to us by mail. Do not send original documents by mail.

At Your Face-to-Face Interview

Try to arrive for your scheduled appointment 15 minutes early to check in with the receptionist and to complete any additional paperwork.

Please bring all required documents that have not already been provided.

We are required by law to obtain a lot of information about you and your household before you can be determined eligible for any benefits. The questions we must ask are often personal questions about sensitive matters. We are required to keep this information confidential.

People are often surprised at how little income and resources they are allowed to have to qualify for benefits. The amounts of benefits are also lower than some people expect. The person who is interviewing you does not set these standards. They are set by the State of Colorado.

The job of the workers (Technicians) is to determine eligibility for benefits. If you need to see a case worker about other family problems, your Technician will provide information on other resources available.